Asia: China and Taiwan face off in pineapple war

It could be the world’s most heated dispute over pineapple, even eclipsing the interminable debate about whether or not it belongs on pizza. Last month, China banned Taiwanese pineapple imports,…

USA: Donald Trump’s wealth takes tumble during presidency

Donald Trump’s net worth dropped by about $700m to $2.3bn (£1.65bn) during his time as president, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The Covid-19 pandemic hit his fortunes hard, with…

China: Tycoon abruptly quits tech giant he founded

Colin Huang is China’s seventh richest person and is worth more than $50bn from his stake in the online firm. The founder of high-flying Chinese e-commerce group Pinduoduo has stepped…

USA: Burnt-out Goldman Sachs bankers ask for 80-hour week cap

First-year bankers at investment bank Goldman Sachs have warned that they might quit unless their gruelling working conditions improve. An internal survey among 13 employees showed they averaged 95 hours…

Tanzania: President Samia Suluhu Hassan to continue the great works

Vice-President Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken his place as the country’s head of state. The 61-year-old is affectionately known as Mama Samia – in Tanzanian culture that reflects the respect…

China: Super granny who sent attacker to hospital in US praised for bravery

A 76-year-old Chinese grandmother who fought off an attacker sending him to hospital, has been hailed for her courage by many in China. Xie Xiaozhen was waiting to cross a…

Italy: Lamborghini’s profits soar during Covid

Lamborghini had its most profitable year ever in 2020, despite a two-month shutdown of its Italian factory during the pandemic. “We were surprised,” said chief executive Stephan Winkelmann. While sales…

Taiwan: Dozens change name to ‘salmon’ to get sushi deal

Dozens of people in Taiwan have changed their names to “salmon” to take advantage of a restaurant’s sushi promotion deal. Officials have issued a plea asking people to stop visiting…

Mexico: Gunmen kill 13 in police convoy ambush

At least 13 people have been killed in an ambush on a police convoy by a suspected criminal gang in central Mexico. The victims were all police officers and agents…

USA: Actor Armie Hammer accused of rape

US actor Armie Hammer has been accused of raping a woman in Los Angeles in 2017. The woman, a 24-year-old named only as Effie, made the allegations during a virtual…